Are you curious about the fascinating history of Gloy Glue?
Well, get ready to dive into the world of this iconic adhesive that has left an indelible mark in the annals of glue history.
Gloy Glue, once a beloved household name, was a remarkable adhesive that revolutionized the way people stuck things together. Made from a unique blend of high-quality polymers, Gloy Glue offered unrivaled strength and durability. It was the go-to choice for both professionals and amateurs alike, ensuring a powerful bond that would withstand the test of time.
However, despite its widespread popularity, the Gloy brand eventually vanished from the market, leaving many wondering what happened. In this article, we will uncover the intriguing story behind Gloy Glue’s rise to fame and its sudden disappearance, shedding light on the legacy it has left behind.
Get ready to embark on a journey through Gloy Glue’s captivating history, filled with fascinating facts and untold stories.
What was Gloy Glue?
You may be familiar with Gloy Glue, also known as Gloy Gum, which was a widely popular clear glue in Britain’s classrooms. It boasted a staggering 99.9 percent penetration rate. Gloy Glue had various uses, from sticking crêpe paper to attaching cutouts for art projects. Its ingredients included a clear adhesive compound, which provided a strong and long-lasting hold. Gloy gained immense popularity due to its reliability and ease of use, as it came in plastic squeezy bottles with a convenient dispenser.
However, Gloy Glue’s historical significance was overshadowed by the rise of Pritt Stick, a competing adhesive that eventually replaced it in classrooms. Despite its decline, Gloy Glue remains a nostalgic memory for many, with some fondly remembering the satisfaction of peeling dried bits off the bottle and rolling them between their fingers.

What was Gloy Glue made from?
Imagine being transported back in time to a world where vintage Gloy Glue was made from a unique blend of dextrin and magnesium chloride, creating a fast-setting adhesive with a touch of nostalgia. The Gloy Glue manufacturing process involved mixing dextrin, derived from starch, with magnesium chloride, which acted as a coagulant to increase viscosity. This combination resulted in a glue that was perfect for paper applications due to its fast setting properties.
However, it should be noted that the bond strength of vegetable glues like Gloy was relatively low. In terms of historical uses, Gloy Glue was widely used in the paper industry, thanks to its quick drying time. As for its environmental impact, Gloy Glue, being made from natural ingredients, was considered to have a relatively low environmental impact compared to synthetic adhesives.
What happened to the Gloy brand?
So, you want to know what happened to the Gloy brand? Well, after the Gloy trademark was sold to Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien, they continued to produce and market Gloy Glue Sticks.
These glue sticks were known for their high-quality adhesive properties and were widely used for various crafting and office projects.
However, over the years, the Gloy brand eventually phased out and was replaced by other adhesive products in the market.
Gloy Glue Sticks
Gloy Glue sticks appear to be the only Gloy branded product still in wide distribution. Gloy Glue Sticks are the perfect choice for any classroom, offering high quality and unbeatable value for money. These glue sticks are ideal for various crafting applications, whether it’s gluing paper, card, or board.
The smooth and even application of Gloy glue allows for easy repositioning of objects before it fully dries, making it perfect for young children or those new to gluing. With the airtight cap, the glue remains fresh and usable for several years without drying out.
In terms of environmental impact, Gloy glue sticks are solvent-free and non-toxic, making them safe for both children and the environment. They are also washable at 20°c, ensuring that clothes stay clean and free from glue stains. Additionally, Gloy glue stick tubes are made from 100% recyclable PP5 plastics, making them an eco-friendly choice.
For those looking for alternatives to Gloy glue sticks, there are various colors and finishes available to suit different crafting needs. Gloy glue sticks also come in a miniature 20g size, perfect for smaller hands and gluing smaller areas.
To use Gloy glue sticks effectively, it’s recommended to apply the glue smoothly and evenly, allowing for repositioning if needed. It’s important to keep the cap tightly closed after use to maintain the glue’s freshness.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Gloy Glue was a popular adhesive brand known for its strong bonding properties. It was made from a unique formulation that included various chemicals and solvents.
Over time, however, the Gloy brand faced challenges due to increasing competition in the adhesive market. As a result, the brand ultimately lost its market share and was discontinued.
Despite its downfall, Gloy Glue remains a part of adhesive history, known for its effectiveness and reliability.